SECTION 286.52. Demonstration Grants

(a) The following are the criteria which identify an applicant's eligibility for a demonstration grant.

(1) The applicant must show that the proposed project provides a demonstration of the special value or merit of an article, product, or process directed toward the improvement of the treatment and disposal of wastewater and/or reduction of the cost of providing that treatment to consumers. The applicant must provide the protocol for monitoring the project, including testing and calibration, to demonstrate the project's effectiveness.

(2) An applicant must demonstrate to the council and provide written assurances that the applicant will provide the following services as applicable:

(A) a proper area for outdoor research and demonstration;

(B) a proper area for controlled research and demonstration;

(C) basic laboratory facilities;

(D) testing or calibrating equipment;

(E) untreated domestic sewage for demonstrations;

(F) a permitted area for land disposal application or a license specifically for alternative/special applications;

(G) adequate assistance personnel; and

(H) other facilities for instruction and seminars.

(3) An applicant must show that all calibration, testing, and demonstration will be conducted in a manner that ensures that:

(A) groundwater and surface water are protected;

(B) the health and welfare of the public are protected; and

(C) the project site complies at all times with applicable state and local laws and rules.

(4) The applicant must conduct the testing and calibration in Texas.

(5) Corporations organized under the Texas Business Corporations Act or the Texas Business Organizations Code that are delinquent in taxes owed the state under the Texas Tax Code, Chapter 171 are ineligible to receive a grant award.

(b) Information required for demonstration grants. The following information must be submitted in writing for each demonstration grant:

(1) the applicant shall include in the proposal title a clear reference to a topic covered in the council's solicitation document; and the method of improving the quality of wastewater treatment and/or reducing the cost of providing wastewater treatment to consumers through the demonstration project.

(2) a description of how the project is directed toward improving the quality of wastewater treatment and/or reducing the cost of providing wastewater treatment to consumers through the demonstration project;

(3) a discussion of how the applicant intends to fulfill the requirements of the proposal;

(4) resumés of principals, potential subcontractors, and principal investigators (including names, addresses, and telephone numbers), and a summary of pertinent experience of each entity;

(5) site(s) of proposed project;

(6) a detailed description of the facilities to be provided including land area, laboratories, classroom space, auditoriums, and other applicable facilities proposed;

(7) a description of how the applicant intends to provide the raw, untreated sewage to the units being tested, the amount of flow available to the units, and emergency plans for failed units;

(8) a description of how the applicant intends to protect groundwater and surface water, as well as the protection of public health and welfare during demonstration;

(9) a detailed description of the testing equipment to be provided, including any equipment to be purchased through the awarding of the grant;

(10) an explanation of the proposed calibration and testing techniques;

(11) the total project cost, the amount(s) and source(s) of the local matching funds and services, and the total amount requested from the council;

(12) a detailed project budget;

(13) a commitment date for work to begin and a progress time schedule;

(14) the designation of a contact person for additional information;

(15) all information required to satisfy the criteria for eligibility as specified in this section;

(16) any other information as deemed necessary by the council; and

(17) evidence that the applicant is insured or can become insured for the tasks undertaken as a result of receiving a grant.

(c) Criteria for selection of demonstration grants. The council will review the grant proposals. Grants may be awarded based upon the following criteria or other criteria identified in the council's solicitation document:

(1) the availability of matching funds and other sources of funding for the proposal;

(2) the degree to which the proposal is responsive to the overall objectives listed in this section;

(3) the qualifications of project staff and directly-related project and staff experience;

(4) the reasonableness of the proposed budget and time schedules;

(5) project organization and management, including project monitoring procedures;

(6) technical and environmental merit of the proposal;

(7) the method of assuring the protection of groundwater, surface water, as well as the protection of public health and welfare; and

(8) any other information as may be required for the specific project.

Source Note: The provisions of this §286.52 adopted to be effective May 4, 2000, 25 TexReg 3789; amended to be effective January 24, 2010, 35 TexReg 499